Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
And welcome to December, the last month of the year. The month when we look back in disbelief and ask ourselves, ’where did it go’ Not an easy question to answer but it’s up to ourselves how we spend our time and when we look back and pick out the things that we did in those past months maybe we could tell ourselves that we didn’t waste them after all. Our way into Mass on Sunday was made all the more spectacular with the placing of the beautiful wooden crib at the gate thanks to the efforts of our Men’s Club. Everybody stopped to admire their presentation, complete with the all the figures of the age old Christmas scene. It is a wonderful addition to our way into Mass for the Holy Season of Christmas.
Mass on Sunday, December 1st, marked the beginning of Advent and the first of the five Advent candles was lit by the little girl who was the alter server on that day. The Mass was made very special when Canon John invited the five Indian young men who live and work locally, to come to the alter and read the prayers for the faithful. It was a kind and thoughtful gesture on his part because today December 3rd ( Tuesday) is the Feast Day of their Patron Saint St Francis Xaviar, in their home country. And on behalf of our people here I’d like to wish them a very Happy St.Xaviar’s Day in the same way as people all over the world extend best wishes to us on St.Patrick’s Day.
A very successful sale of work etc, was held at the Day Centre after Mass a great crowd attended. There was tea and goodies and lots of chat. Well done to all who organised it and helped.
At 2.30 a Divine Will Gathering was held at the Parish Centre with people coming from as far away as the North of Ireland and many places in between to taking part.
Then the time we were all waiting for, the turning on of the lights. Our three Cailini Alainn (Niamh, Catherine & Noreen) once again rallied the troops and got the help they needed to make the event the great success that it was. Little children with eyes all aglow were treated to sweets etc while they waited for the big moment. The moving reflection on the Hotel wall and the colourful tree in Mary Hickey’s yard added lustre all of it’s own. The popular Ger O’Hanlon sang an array of uplifting seasonal airs while Sean Radley our man at the mike gave a running commentary on all that was happening. There was a fine garda presence to make sure that the evening went without a hitch. Then at the right moment, Sean called on the mixed gathering for one minutes silence as a mark of respect for the one who was so sorely missed this year, the lovely Humphrey Hickey. The minute’s silence was observed to a T. Not a sound even from the smallest child was heard and then the Hickey brothers in their Sunday best threw the switch and lit up our Town Square. A fitting gesture for their beloved brother.
With the lights on our Pipe Band marched up Minor Row in full regalia and gave a recital at the monument, they were followed by members on our Vintage Clubs in gaily bedecked cars and tractors. It was all very exciting and a wonderful spectacle in our town. Even the weather played into our hands by remaining dry and calm throughout. Once again hats off the organisers for another wonderful start to our Christmas Season. Many thanks the all those who helped to make it so wonderful for us all.
It is vitally important that we support our shops and businesses in the run up to Christmas. We have a great town and great people, please give them your full support.
The Community Council Calendar is on sale at many outlets.
Millstreet Primary Schools Association will hold a Bake Sale at the Parish Centre on next Sunday December 8, after 11.30 Mass. All funds raised will go to Scoil Mhuire Boys NS. and Presentation NT for projects and events run by the Association. Please Support it well.
The Annual Church Gate collection in aid of St.V de Paul will be held this weekend December7/8. Please give all you can to this very worthy cause.
Cullen and District Special Needs Association will hold the annual Mass and Christmas Party on Saturday December 7. Starting at 1 pm. Cullen Tidy Towns Christmas Tree Lights will be turned on Saturday December 7 at 1 pm.
North Cork Hamper Packages Appeal. Drop in at O’Regans Mills and collection at West End Car Park on Sat. Dec14, from 11-12noon. Items accepted are, dry foods tea coffee, hot chocolate, jams, marmalade etc. Hygiene goods for men plus small items of clothing.
Christmas can be a very joyous time and indeed it can be a very sad time for those who are grieving. Sadly this year we are mourn the loss of our dear little Leah Mae and it is not easy for her parents. Grandparents and all the family. But we are not alone in our grieving there are others and there always will be. This weekend our sincere sympathy goes to a man called Victor, all the way from Poland who has worked for John D for over twenty years. This year his wife back home got cancer and Victor made regular trips home to be with her at crucial times. His latest flight was booked for last Sunday but sadly she died unexpectedly on Saturday in her early 60’s. Our hearts go out to this quiet unassuming lovely man and his family. It’s hard to fathom his frame of mind as he made his way home. He came here to make a better life for them all and I’m sure dreamed of the day when he could afford to retire and be together again for good but it is not to be. May God console Victor and his family on their great loss.
On a lighter note another man called Magic came here from Poland some years ago and got a job again at Buckley Construction. He met and married a lovely girl from home. They got married and made a plan. Anna cleaned houses and he worked all the hours God gave him and they sent their money home where they got a house built. Anna longed to go home but he loved it here and wanted to stay. Back then it was John D’s job to put up the Christmas tree in town every year . To collect it from the Country Park and stand it in the Square. This young man was mad for the job and John D let him do it. He loved the excitement of it all. And when time came for himself and Anna to go back to Poland he said that he would come back one day and put up the tree again. They have two growing children now and love the jobs that they have. Ten years or more later himself and Anna came this past weekend to see the lights being turned on. The days of the tree in the Square are gone but Magic never lost his love for his life here. They read my Report every week in order to keep the memory alive. It was so lovely to see them again.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 10,16,18,26 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Thomas Walsh, c/o Paula Healy, Paula Got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Catherine O’Callaghan. c/o Tom Carroll, €20 each went to Aoibh & Izzy c/o Maura Cronin. Conor & Libby May c/o Denis Hickey, Myra Sheehan c/o Angela Kelleher, Gobnait Kelleher, c/o Corkery’s, Milly Wheely c/o Nigel, Kate, Fionn & Molly c/o Colemans, Ash Long, c/o The Bridge, Gwen Barrett, c/o McCauls. Jackpot for next week €6,800.
Please take note that the AGM of the Lotto will be held on Next Sunday night December 8 at 8. Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30am to 7.30pm. Morning Masses preceded by Rosary from 9.40. Confessions in Millstreet every Saturday from 12.30 to 1. Legion of Mary Meeting every Tuesday night at 7.30 at the Parish Centre.
Please look up the website for details of Masses etc. for this week.
Slan is beannacht De libh go leir .
